--- title: "Re:modern Design + Architecture — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/remodern-design-architecture-pfvwus-pf~1384193598 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1384193598.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Re:modern Design + Architecture" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/2e33954b0e82a5e3_7131-w400-h400-b1-p10--.jpg address: "San Mateo, California 94401, United States" latitude: 37.5735 longitude: -122.3225 phone: "(650) 343-2700" website: http://www.re-modern.com rating: 4.9 review_count: 8 best_of_houzz_awards: 2 followers: 98 last_updated: 2026-08-31 --- # Re:modern Design + Architecture Original Houzz profile: [Re:modern Design + Architecture](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/remodern-design-architecture-pfvwus-pf~1384193598) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** San Mateo, CA - **Serves:** San Francisco, San Mateo, Daly City, Redwood City, Palo Alto, South San Francisco, San Bruno, Pacifica, Menlo Park, Foster City, Burlingame, San Carlos, Belmont, Millbrae, Half Moon Bay, Hillsborough, Atherton, Woodside, Emerald Lake Hills, Highlands-Baywood Park, West Menlo Park, Remote Consultations - **Houzz rating:** 4.9 out of 5 (8 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 2 awards (2016–2020), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000 Ideabook Saves Sustainable + Modern = Re:modern. We are an SF Peninsula-based firm that excels at creating world-class, green design. Led by Architect Mona Ying Reeves, Re:modern crafts bespoke spaces for residential clients, businesses, and television production. We offer custom architectural, interior design, and styling services for new construction, remodels, and interiors throughout the SF Bay Area. Our signature "sustainable modern" style has has been featured on: HGTV, DIY Network, Real Simple, Sunset Magazine, Better Homes & Gardens, NBC Today Show, and Design\*Sponge. ### Services Provided - Building Design - Home Remodeling - Architectural Drawings - Custom Homes - House Plans - Home Additions - Home Extensions - Kitchen Design - Kitchen Remodeling - Sustainable Design - Energy-Efficient Homes - Floor Plans - Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) - Bathroom Design - Green Building - Space Planning - Guesthouse Design & Construction - Universal Design - Multigenerational Homes - Project Management - Outdoor Kitchen Design - Tiny House Construction - Deck Design - Bedroom Design - Color Consulting - Dining Room Design - Interior Design - Kids Bedroom Design - Living Room Design - Nursery Design - Playroom Design ### Areas Served - San Francisco - San Mateo - Daly City - Redwood City - Palo Alto - South San Francisco - San Bruno - Pacifica - Menlo Park - Foster City - Burlingame - San Carlos - Belmont - Millbrae - Half Moon Bay - Hillsborough - Atherton - Woodside - Emerald Lake Hills - Highlands-Baywood Park - West Menlo Park - Remote Consultations ### Typical Job Cost $200,000 - 3 million Full Service Design is Flat Fee (for determined scope), or Time & Materials (for open-ended scope). Visit our sister site www.KickstartHouse.com for remote consultations, homeowner resources, and affordable renovation coaching. ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Re:modern Design + Architecture | | Address | San Mateo, California 94401, United States | | Phone | (650) 343-2700 | | Website | http://www.re-modern.com | | License Number | C35391 | | Followers on Houzz | 98 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — http://facebook.com/remodern - X (Twitter) — http://twitter.com/remodern\_design - Blog — http://www.re-modern.com ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Re:modern Design + Architecture](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/remodern-design-architecture-pfvwus-pf~1384193598) - **Website:** http://www.re-modern.com - **Phone:** (650) 343-2700 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - M.Arch, Harvard University Graduate School of DesignB.A. in Architecture, UC Berkeley20 years experienceCalifornia Registered Architect - **Best of Houzz:** 2 awards (2016–2020), for Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.9 out of 5 — 8 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 50.0 ### All 8 reviews **★★★★★ — schettyjohn, July 2022** > Mona is so helpful and provides excellent options after careful consideration of preferences and her professional assessment of the space. She is honest and straight forward. **★★★★★ — Matt Orban, June 2019** > Strongly recommend Re:modern Design. > > I reached out to Re:modern Design in July 2018 to try to find an architect who could help my wife and I remodel our newly purchased home. The home is a 1930 Mediterranean style home that was in desperate need of an update. We were looking to do some infrastructure upgrades but also upgrade the existing kitchen, bathroom, and adding a laundry room. > > It was so great to work with Mona. She was so professional and listened to what we wanted and brought three incredible design options for the layout of our home. Once we picked the architectural design (which drastically improved the flow and warmth of the home), Mona began to work with us on designing and picking the materials for the kitchen and bathrooms. > > My wife and I started this process thinking we could do it ourselves but it would not have turned out nearly as nice as it did if we had. Mona brought her expertise in the remodeling process to ensure that we didn't remove the charm of the home, but just updated the house with a touch of modern but still keeping the 1930's vibe. Mona was able to pick materials and finishes that seamlessly integrated with the architectural design of the house. (this is one of the many benefits of working with Re:modern Design). Mona even incorporated our wedding colors into our house so we will always have that special touch in our home. **★★★★★ — Connie Kilkenny, Aug. 2017** > Mona Ying Reeves of re:modern took a plain living/dining room area and turned it into a sophisticated and dramatic one. Using the limited information she had to work with from the client she was able to nail the style and characteristic uniqueness of the client. The client had requested three specific colors and she ingeniously wove them all together in a cohesive design scheme that worked perfectly. Mona daringly placed the client’s colors against a backdrop of deep Kendall Charcoal by Benjamin Moore. She continued enhanced the living/dining area by reworking the bar area and fireplace. By the time Mona was finished the room was transformed. She did this with color, lighting, pattern, wallpaper, paint, art pieces, furniture and accessories. She hit all the right style notes with this design make-over. **★★★★★ — leoleonni, Dec. 2015** > In my 27 years USA construction work experience, I have worked with many architects and interior designers. They all were good people to work with, but always something was missing or unfinished. > Working with Mona, was my first flawless project in my entire USA construction work experience. > Because of Mona"s very thoughtful architect drawings and description of interior design details, the project went very smooth, all inspection were passes at the first time,and the project was finished on time. > In my personal opinion, Mona works like top quality precision Swiss watch. > Leo Shneyer > President > California Home Improvement Solution Inc. > CA License 847777 > Mobil: 408-590-3030 **★★★★★ — Sowmya Ramachandran, Oct. 2015** > I have to say that I am very very glad to have found Mona at Re:modern.I had the dream of creating a living space that looks cool and casual, yet with some design touches. I was going nutso trying to do it on my own. I spent countless hours waffling between different ways of arranging furniture and trying to bring cohesion to the space. One visit from Mona and things are starting to come together beautifully. Mona is a delight to work with - very creative, yet gentle. She offered great suggestions but didn't push me into anything. Her aesthetic is quite modern - which is what I was looking for. I rearranged my furniture according to her suggestion and am slowly starting to get furniture together. Now I feel very happy looking at my LR whereas previously I felt very dissatisfied. > > Oh and I appreciate that Mona was willing to take on a small hourly job. Thank you Mona! **★★★★★ — H&H Builders Group Inc., May 2013** > I am a custom builder with over 30 years of experience in commercial and residential construction. I have recently completed two projects designed by Re:modern. One of my sayings is "The devil is in the details". Unlike many designers plans, Re:modern plans are thorough. They include thoughtful details and information that are not only necessary to properly estimate the project, but to accurately build it. Ultimately this saves both time and money. Both project designs were very unique, creativity integrating beautiful aesthetics with practical function. It takes years of experience and a special talent to design at this level. Mona Ying Reeves, Re:modern principal, was a joy to work with. She readily answered my calls and provided information promptly. The best part was the clients satisfaction when the projects were finished. Unique, personal, beautiful. I look forward to our next project together! **★★★★ — lesterhchen, April 2013** > I got great designs I love, but just barely got there, with the constraints I put on Mona in terms of time and choosing a contractor who was less experienced on working with designers. > > It would have been smoother if I had asked the contractor how many projects they've done with designers? Do they work from verbal instructions or drawings? Are they comfortable asking questions when they're unsure about the intent of the drawing? > > But, Net-Net: Mona provides wonderful, creative designs, but to do it right and get the best results, either have a few hours a day to work on it, or hire Mona to project manage it. If you can, you'll end up with as unique as you. Just remember - you took a lot of time and effort to become special. **★★★★★ — wildhare, April 2013** > Mona's ideas were wonderful and we loved her modern aesthetic. She was helpful in picking out distinctive items that helped our master bathroom project pop. She also looked out for special deals that allowed us to stay within our budget for the project and made it look special. We also had Mona pick out colorful options for the walls in the condo. Has made our home distinctive and eye catching. ## Selected projects - [Bathrooms](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bathrooms-pj-vj~1741123) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 4 - Description: Design by Re:modern - [Kitchens + Dining](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kitchens-dining-pj-vj~43045) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 6 - [Re:modern on HGTV](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/remodern-on-hgtv-pj-vj~43043) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 6 - [Rockridge ADU](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/rockridge-adu-pj-vj~43044) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 1 - [Archive](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/archive-pj-vj~1741126) - Location: Palo Alto, CA - Photos: 6 - [Launchpad Studio](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/launchpad-studio-pj-vj~6373921) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 3 - [Modern Mediterranean](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-mediterranean-pj-vj~6373890) - Location: San Bruno, CA - Photos: 4 - [Palo Alto Eichler](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/palo-alto-eichler-pj-vj~6373623) - Location: Palo Alto, CA - Photos: 1 - [Mid-century Lounge](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mid-century-lounge-pj-vj~2043105) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 3 - Description: This project was designed for a television room makeover show episode that aired in 2016. Demolition, construction, and interior styling all occurred in a tight deadline of 3 days. Interior Design and Styling by Remodern, Inc. - [Breezeway by the Sea](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/breezeway-by-the-sea-pj-vj~5748064) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 3 - [Midcentury Transitional Kitchen :: Baywood Terrace, San Mateo, CA](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/midcentury-transitional-kitchen-baywood-terrace-san-mateo-ca-pj-vj~2864383) - Location: San Mateo, CA - Photos: 11 [See all 11 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/remodern-design-architecture-pfvwus-pf~1384193598) ## Ideabooks - [Example Ideabook](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/161042057/list/example-ideabook) — 5 ideas - [Wilkie](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/8222059/list/wilkie) — 9 ideas [See all 2 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/remodern-design) ## Community Q&A **Q: Using a professional, Fiver or here?** *(in Remodeling)* We will be doing a kitchen remodel here soon. Its been two years that I've been messing w/the kitchen design. I feel that I need someone to look over it one last time to be sure its a good design and that we don't have any other options. I have dealt w/a kitchen designer that I paid (they are on Houzz, but didn't find them here) and with Ikea kitchen people. Would a place like Fiver or any other place have people who would look a design over and give suggestions? I found an interior design firm here on Houzz, but they want $150 hour and I'm not sure I'm going to get my moneys worth because they wouldn't be designing anything (and its a 2 hour drive). If you guys want to take a look that is fine, but I do seem to want to have a one on one w/someone about this plan. Info you should know... Currently the fridge is to the left of the sink by a wall. It was moved to the East middle wall due to not being able to put it on the left corner East wall. We had it there, but the paid KD put in the wrong measurements that she fixed, which corrected the actual size of the wall. Not enough room for the fridge...due to me wanting a specific corner base pull out cabinet. The East middle wall was to be a coffee/breakfast bar, but most of it was taken away by the fridge which is disappointing. The fridge is also not cabinet depth, so I'm thinking its going to look weird. However I saw some recently that were cabinet depth that didn't look too bad. Maybe my current fridge is pulled out a bit from the wall. The range/stove, really had no where to go once the fridge moved. I can only fit it to the left of the sink. It wont go on the East corner wall due to not having enough cabinet space to the right of it. Currently its where the fridge will be, which is a pain having it there. I will have a built hood cover. There is a 12" cabinet between the corner cabinet and dishwasher. I hate it as it doesn't seem to have a purpose other than to fill that space. I wanted a wine storage area. I'm considering putting some square boxes there. Ikea has a 3 box set (or building our own). The only issue it is 3" too small for that area. I've also thought about making it a pull out and use it for baking sheets, but seems like a weird spot as the range is on the other side. I am not wanting a wine cooler, just a place to store room temp wine until its ready to go into the fridge. The island is not complete. I'm still trying to decide how I want the overall look to be. That's why it looks weird at this point. I removed wine boxes that were on each side of the island. I am aware that it will need some type of structure to hold the cabinet top. I have 4 fans in my house. Two are over the living room and 2 are over the kitchen. Do you think it would be best to remove (one or two fans) from the kitchen to hang pendant lights over the island? Photo included of the ceiling area. Questions: Is this island a good size for the area? Can the island go past the fridge up to the wall? Seating will be on one side. That's not how I wanted it, but it was too wide by putting two chairs on the end (just wanted it that way so you can face the people on the side you're talking to). The island has a microwave, pull out trash can, deep drawers for pots and pans, drawers for cooking utensils, etc. To the right of the island (South) and end of the island (West/living room area) is just empty areas where I could put my dining table. Which side would you put the dining table? If it should go West of the island, what should I do w/the area that is South of the Island? What would you do for the counter tops...Would you do wood counter on the island or along the wall? The other counter top will be Quartz. I am concerned about water w/wood being around the sink. Would you do a faucet w/a separate sprayer? What about the sink itself? I was thinking of an undermount (I hate my top mount), but this weekend I saw a sink I liked at Ikea. What do you think? Photos attached. Thank you for any help. I know its a lot, but I have a lot of decisions to make before I move onto purchasing the cabinets. Sink I saw this weekend. I like the chunkyness of it, but I've never had a sink like this so not sure of the pros and cons. I like the idea of this set up. My current one, the sprayer is in the faucet and I always have issues w/it hanging down and not going back up into the faucet. I think Id rather pull it up like this. Birds eye view. \# 14 and \#17 were removed. North wall. Range, sink, dw. Left is the East Corner Wall. On the other side of the door is the East Breakfast/Coffee bar wall. Island This was the final by the KD I hired. The chair on the West end was supposed to be next to the other chairs. This design has been corrected since. The KD wasn't listening to me and things had to be corrected after I released her from the design. As the drawing looks currently and after I removed the wine holders from the island. This is a marked up view of the kitchen with additional measurements. Where should the dining table go? Ceiling view over island. I think by looking at this, we will be needing to get rid of the fan. Im ok w/that. A: "I found an interior design firm here on Houzz, but they want $150 hour and I'm not sure I'm going to get my moneys worth because they wouldn't be designing anything" PLEASE go pay that qualified design firm to review and give feedback on your drawings. That is a reasonable fee and you are paying for their expertise and experience in seeing what you cannot. The drawings you posted appear to be cabinet layouts, not a full kitchen design. Those questions you are asking would be answered if you hired an actual design firm professional (not a Fiverr or Ikea kitchen designer.) **Q: Out of time - kitchen reno help!!!** *(in Remodeling)* I'm about to start my kitchen reno and am rethinking the plan. My concerns - opening wall exposes bathroom door, no opening to front room. I would like to keep a small dining area where light fixture is indicated. Any other ideas would be appreciated. I am out of time. Sink and range need to stay in location for budget constraints. Hall wall can be opened but not removed. Original and idea photos included. Only problem with original layout is encroachment on small dining area if bar stools used. A: Please don't feel like you are "out of time" and rush decisions that haven't been properly made. It's much easier to rework and develop things BEFORE you start construction than when you have a crew working already. Do your design with a professional designer. Then use this checklist guide of Things You Must Do Before Hiring a Contractor to make sure you've covered your bases before finalizing your contractor. freeguide.kickstarthouse.com **Q: What do I need?** *(in Remodeling)* Hello! I want to remodel my kitchen. I do not have a real idea of what I want because I am unsure of the possibilities - I think we'd need to move walls, windows and stairs so it is beyond contacting an interior designer for assistance. What or who do I need? A: Architects help you determine scope figure out these things. If that's not within your budget, you can do a one-off consultation with Kickstart House which does renovation coaching for homeowners. www.KickstartHouse.com **Q: Do I expect too much?** *(in Remodeling)* We hired a GC to renovate our kitchen - gut it, move plumbing and HVAC, and put it back together. I will note that “putting it back together” is drywall, flooring, cabinets, etc - not building walls (except for a small pony wall), putting in windows, etc. The estimate was 6-8 weeks. We are now at the end of week 8, and have an empty kitchen. It has drywall - unpainted - and that’s it. Half of the subfloor isn’t installed. We had our electrician and plumber do their things (which was communicated from the beginning). The delays are always because of an excuse. The GC is rarely here. The two guys who are here work maybe six hour days if you take out the two hour lunch. One of the guys knows what he’s doing. Some days, they don’t show up at all, and without a word. We’ve had numerous talks with the GC, and to no avail. Same behavior. Excuses, delays that aren’t his fault, no communication. We have been living in two rooms of our house for two months with no end in sight and I’m ready to go postal. Until this point, my husband has talked to him and we have kept it civil because we JUST WANT IT DONE. We are spending a lot of money on this - upwards of $70K - yet there seems to be no sense of urgency on his part. It is the most bizarre thing I’ve ever experienced. I have a corporate job with a lot of stress and deadlines. Excuses aren’t tolerated after the first one. I don’t care if you do it on a weekend or stay late a few nights a week. You made the commitment - do whatever it takes to deliver, even if that means that you have to stay later than 4pm some days. It would be one thing if they were over here killin’ it, but they work at half speed when they show up. Is this how contractors work? Lately I’ve heard more horror stories than not.... A: It seems like your GC is lacking in communication, planning and project management/sequencing skills to handle an efficient turnaround to your satisfaction. Short of having an architect or other client rep to be on top of your needs, you need to proactively advocate for yourself. (And I agree, going through the courts over contract at this point doesn't get your back into a liveable space.) The resource links I provided above are genuinely free and meant to help because I see homeowners get taken advantage of way too often. You are always in charge of who you hire and choose to listen to. **Q: Tips to work with general contractor and subcontractor** *(in Home Decorating)* hi all, we've hired a general contractor to do multiple projects and he brought a team to do most of them, except for one subcontractor for the hardwood flooring refinishing and another subcontractor for the vinyl installation. We are towards the end of the all projects and the project's timeline got delayed for 2 weeks... We also felt there was not enough communication among GC / subcontractor in a synced way. We are unhappy about the jobs done by the subcontractors and they need to do some fixing. This is our first time we worked with a contractor on home renovation, so we didn't know what we could expect. I am trying to refect things we could have done better to prepare us for future projects. Could you kindly share your experience of working with GC on how to set the expectation, timeline, work/project choice, work examination, etc, esp. whenever subcontracts get involved, how to communicate and set the standard? Thanks! A: It all comes down to communication and also the clarity and willingness for all parties to communicate. Many contractors and subs are not skilled in communication. As a homeowner, you also need to be clear and be able to advocate for your needs. For general knowledge and for next time, use this free checklist guide to help make sure your bases are covered before hiring your contractor: freeguide.kickstarthouse.com **Q: Should I hire a GC for small bathroom remodel?** *(in Remodeling)* I have been planning to remodel my secondary, hallway bathroom for several years, but keep postponing it. I hired a designer, architect, and licensed GC for my previous remodel of two bathrooms and a kitchen. I had so many problems with the GC that I am tempted to be a homeowner-GC on this small project. Some of my concerns with the GC were: he hired unskilled labor for the work, although he had promised licensed subs; he double-charged on everything ($1800 for one day of painting); he submitted all change orders after work was completed, without discussing in advance; chaotic work schedule; vague specification about what work was included in the project; inadequate worker's comp coverage for his "employees." I agreed to pay the GC 20% for oversight; in reality, he billed 100% -- double the cost of the project. If I hire another GC, I will want in writing exactly what work will be done within the scope of the project and the names, addresses, and insurance information for anyone who will be working on the project. Can I find a GC who will agree to my attaching a Requirements Specification to the contract? For example, I want to specify that the shower curb has a 5-degree pitch toward the interior of the shower. I want the price to include replacing the subfloor (which is damaged) and replacing the insulation (to conform with CA's newer requirement). One design-builder told me that replacing the subfloor would be a change order, and not included in the contract because they won't know until the linoleum is pulled up whether the whole 60-square foot subfloor needs replacement. I am generally easy-going, but I get upset when people I hire make mistakes and are unwilling to fix their mistakes. If I mange the project myself, my worry is with "finger-pointing." For example, if the framer makes a mistake and I don't notice it until the shower is tiled, then it becomes my mistake. I have a licensed plumber, electrician, and drywall installer that I trust. I can likely find the other trades that I need for the project. I don't mind if it takes longer to get the work done if I manage it myself. The GC I hired previously was so inept at scheduling, that I had to take over that part of the job. What do you think? Should I try to hire a GC? Or do it myself? A: Hiring a GC vs. doing it yourself is a completely different ballpark with a different set of liabilities. Download this free checklist guide of Things You Must Do Before Hiring a Contractor: freeguide.kickstarthouse.com --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-31.*